Luc Brodeur-Jourdain

There was a time, it seemed, when the Canadian Football League’s outstanding offensive lineman seemed to regularly came from the Alouettes. Over a 13-year period, between 1999 and 2011, no fewer than six Montreal players captured the award — including Scott Flory, a back-to-back winner in 2008-09.

The numbers are very uncharacteristic of Brandon Whitaker. In the Alouettes’ last four games, the veteran tailback has averaged 2.6 yards, 5.3, 2.5 and 1.9. And yet, Whitaker is second in the Canadian Football League in rushing yards, with 431, although he has yet to crack the 100-yard barrier in a game.

Heading into last winter, it seemed virtually certain kicker Sean Whyte wouldn’t return to the Alouettes. He was a potential free agent and, by season’s end, had been replaced as the team’s punter by Burke Dales. Instead, Whyte re-signed with Montreal — before testing the market. Dales retired and Ray Rychleski, the Als’ former special teams coordinator, wasn’t invited back, despite having another year on his contract.

Quarterback Anthony Calvillo is one of six Als named to CFL all-star team.Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press
Quarterback Anthony Calvillo heads a list of six Alouettes players who have been named to the Canadian

Luc Brodeur-Jourdain's vision problems have disappeared.Photo courtesy CFL
When the Alouettes last played on Nov. 3 at Winnipeg, head coach Marc Trestman said centre Luc Brodeur-Jourdain had suffered a concussion.

Als' safety Kyries Hebert has gained a well-deserved reputation as a hard hitter.J.P. Moczulski/Canadian Press
According to the recently-released CFL on TSN player poll, Kyries Hebert is the league's hardest hitter.

At this time every season, CFL teams are allowed to expand their practice rosters, for a month, from seven to 12 players.
The Alouettes on Wednesday announced the addition of five players, all imports,

Veteran offensive-lineman Paul Lambert, who switched to centre from guard this season, has confirmed to Als Inside/Out he suffered a torn bicep last Friday, against Calgary, and will undergo season-ending surgery Wednesday morning.